Harrisburg – State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan today released the following statement regarding the fatal crash that took the life of a Pennsylvania State Trooper this morning:

“It is with a very heavy heart and a deep sense of sadness that I announce the tragic death of Trooper First Class Blake T. Coble of Troop D, Beaver Station.”

“While on patrol today just after 10 a.m., Trooper Coble was involved in a motor vehicle crash at SR 168 and Blackhawk Road in South Beaver Township, Beaver County. He was transported to the Heritage Valley Beaver hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Trooper Coble, age 48, had been a member of the Pennsylvania State Police since Nov. 1, 1988. Trooper Coble has two children and his wife, Brenda, is a Police Communications Operator at Troop D, Beaver Station.”

“His untimely death left two children without a father and a wife without her husband, plus countless friends and family members grieving. He died serving the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police mourn his loss and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

“Trooper Coble is the 94th member of the state police to be killed in the line of duty in the history of the Pennsylvania State Police.”